Order Flowers

Ordering flowers from our site ensures that your order will reach us or the family in a timely manner, and your gesture of support will remain acknowledged in the Book of Memories for future generations. We only work with local florists so we can maintain the sense of urgency and quality of your selections. We thank you for helping to support the family during their time of need, and will fondly remember your kind gesture.

Our Valued Staff

When you need to turn to someone…it is comforting to know something about that person. Our professional staff represents many years of experience and care giving.

James A. Gustafson, Manager - N.J. Lic. No. 4205Jimmy began his career in funeral service at the age of 12 after the sudden death of his father in 1986. At that time, Jimmy was an ambitious young man helping elderly neighbors with small yard work tasks. Rich McCriskin, who was of great support to his family, had heard of Jimmy’s endeavors and asked if he would like to help in the same capacity around the funeral home. From there, his tasked and responsibilities grew to where he is today.

Richard W. McCriskin II, Director - N.J. Lic. No. 4564A Life long resident of South Plainfield, Ricky grew up in the family business. Throughout high school and college he was often around offering assistance while at the same time learning the family trade.

A 1996 graduate from S.P.H.S., Ricky graduated from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City in the spring 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. The following fall he enrolled in the Funeral Service Education program at Mercer County Community College and in the Spring of 2003 he graduated earning both his A.A.S. degree and his Certificate of Proficiency in Funeral Service.

Kerri-Anne Krapf, License: N.J. Lic. No. 5045Kerri started her career with McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals in February 2012 as an apprentice.

Under the guidance of Jimmy and Ricky, Kerri was enrolled in the Funeral Service Education Program at Mercer County Community College. In the Summer of 2013, she graduated from the program earning her A.A.S. degree and Certificate of Proficiency in Funeral Service. After successfully completing her National Board Exam in Funeral Service, Mortuary Jurisprudence Examination and Practical Examination, she became a Licensed Practitioner of Mortuary Science in the Winter of 2014.

Kerri was offered a full time position with the funeral home which she was happy to accept.

Lauren J. Lapola, DirectorLauren joined our staff in 2016 and has been making a positive impact with our families. Dedicated to her calling, Lauren volunteers herself to her community and has been asked to speak to local and statewide high schoolers on numerous topics relating to funeral service. But more impressive than her educational and philanthropic endeavors are the hundreds of families that she has so tenderly cared for since her licensure.

Daniel M. Erickson, Director - N.J. Lic No. 4798Known to many as “Danny”, he was born and raised in Manville. Danny is a graduate of Manville High School, and at the age of 16, Danny began working in the funeral industry in a part time capacity.

Danny attended Raritan Valley Community College majoring in criminal justice. Then, Danny switched his college major to funeral service and transferred to Mercer County Community College, the only college in New Jersey to offer the Funeral Service program. Danny served a two-year internship and after receiving an Associate Degree in Business Management and Funeral Service, he fulfilled his requirements to take the New Jersey State Jurisprudence Exam, National Board Exam and practical examinations.

A few years ago, Danny lost his mother Kathy to cancer. He feels experiencing the death of his mother had made him a better person and a more compassionate funeral director as he has experienced firsthand what it is like to grieve and undergo the funeral process.

Danny married his best friend Rebecca (Borawski) and they now have a beautiful daughter together, McKenna Kathleen. They recently fulfilled their dream of buying a home to raise their family in.

Danny is a member of the South Plainfield B.P.O. Elks #2298, Middlesex & Somerset County Funeral Directors Association and the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association.

In his spare time, he is an avid collector of anything automobile related. He loves spending time outdoors, playing cards and can often be found playing with his dog Bentley.

Pam Mocharski, Office AdministratorHas lived in South Plainfield her entire life and graduated from S.P.H.S. in 1977. She is married with two sons. She, along with her husband John and their children are extremely active with the South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department and various other organizations including the Boy Scouts.